Phloem proteomics to identify small Open Reading Frame (sORF)-encoded peptides with a putative role in the control of flowering time in Arabidopsis

Specific proteins, lipids, messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and peptides have been shown to accumulate in different developmental stages. Peptides are of special interest since they have the potential to act as regulatory molecules controlling plant responses to environmental changes, such as salinity and water stress, plant-microbe interactions, and developmental changes.

In this context, we have characterised Arabidopsis phloem exudates to identify proteins and peptides with potential to control flowering time, acting as signals fine tuning plant development. In this work, we present the proteomic profiles of the phloem sap samples during floral transition along with the identification of interesting proteins and peptides that could have a role in the control of flowering. Among those, we have described the abundance pattern of the sORF1511 peptide in the phloem sap, which varies upon floral induction.